Poor but happy at 55 need to be debt free to retire!!!

Poorbuthappy55

I haven't had chance to update regularly because i've been away quite a bit with work and had a weekend away for pleasure so it's been a bit manic recently BUT and this is the best bit my top up shops have come to £47.49 so far. I'm under my £200 budget.

It's surprised me how much more imaginative our food is when I use what we have in the cupboards rather than keep buying more. Waste is also reduced. So I'm feeling very positive.

I've got 3 more payments on my loan then that amount £200 per month can come straight off one the cards.

I must admit although I am feeling happy and positive I'm struggling to make my salary last the month but once the loan is paid off should be a bit easier.

PBH

Poorbuthappy55

Phew I've had a busy day!! Cleaned the house (well some of it!), picked up my nephew from school and then cooked a big family dinner. They've just gone so I'm watching River Cottage before I do tomorrows packed lunch. Then early start tomorrow to be at work for 7.30. Heyho.

Poorbuthappy55

Oh my I can't believe how long it has been since I posted in my diary!!!

Poorbuthappy55

Well four months has flown by since my last diary entry!! I have decided to resurrect it just to keep me focussed.

I have been logging on to MSE virtually everyday and am continuing my DFW existence. Frugality rules in our house!!!

My personal challenge is to just spend less, pay more off debts and get to my DF date as soon as I possibly can.

Poorbuthappy55

Today I have reduced my Barclaycard credit limit to within £10 of what I owe and I'm going to do that every month so that I can never be tempted.

Have just eaten lunch from home so no spendies!

Tonight we are having bubble and squeak with quorn grills and peas so again no spendies.

I may have a look at my snowball and see if there is any improvement in my DF date.

Poorbuthappy55

I have just read my very first post and noted that I had debt of £28157.09 which didn't include my overdraft I now have £24044 debt and no overdraft so although slow progress is baing made.

I'm going to update my sig and look forward to getting below the £20K mark.

Since I started this journey many things have changed and I think 90% for the better. One of the things is that I have resurrected my old hobby of knitting which I am really enjoying. Now for the BUT .... tomorrow I am going to the Stitch & Craft Exhibition at Kensington Olympia and I know I am going to spend. I just need to keep control of myself so I am taking cash and hope to come back with some of it but if I don't well at least it's saved for and planned and not on a credit card.

I'll update the damage when I get back!

beanielou

Good news on the debt

turfy6

Just found and read most of your diary, youre doing brilliantly and Im interested in how you find the motorhome, its one of DH's dreams to own one when he's retired, ps Im 49 but he isnt 40 until July so he may have to wait a while. Hopefully when we are DF we can join the club.:j

Poorbuthappy55

Hi Turfy
We just love our motorhome. It gives absolute freedom to just go off for the weekend when the mood takes us. When we were a lot younger and it was just the two of us we had a VW campervan which was great fun especially when the weather was good. It's good to have something to aim for and look forward to.
Good luck
PBH x

Poorbuthappy55

I've got a week off work this week using up the last of my holiday so will be harder than usual on the finances as I'm intending to catch up with various friends that I don't get to see when I'm working.
To start my week off Im going to have a blitz on my bedroom then this afternoon go for a trawl around the charity shops. I will NOT buy anything I don't need!!!!!
Now that I have paid off my overdraft I watch my bank balance like a hawk.